Definitions

time was

ADJECTIVE

past

Synonyms

STRONGEST

earlier early late old preceding previous prior recent

STRONG

ancient bygone latter over

WEAK

ages ago ancient history back when behind one bypast down memory lane erstwhile ex- foregoing gone-by good old days latter-day long-ago olden days once one-time quondam retired sometime way back way back when

Antonyms

STRONGEST

after current future later on time

STRONG

modern new

WEAK

present

ADVERB

ago

Synonyms

WEAK

ages ago back back when before from way back from year one gone since since God knows when

ADVERB

formerly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

already earlier heretofore once

STRONG

erstwhile

WEAK

a while back aforetime anciently at one time away back back back when before before now before this down memory lane eons ago erewhile in former times in the olden days in the past lately long ago of old of yore olden days once upon a time radically some time ago used to be water under the bridge

Antonyms

WEAK

currently future presently subsequently

ADVERB

once

Synonyms

STRONGEST

already before earlier formerly late previously

STRONG

erstwhile

WEAK

a single time at one time away back back back when but once bygone heretofore in the old days in the olden days in times gone by in times past long ago old on one occasion once only once upon a time one one time before one time previously only one time quondam sometime this time whilom

Antonyms

STRONGEST

currently future later presently

ADVERB

previously

Synonyms

STRONGEST

already formerly heretofore hitherto long ago once then

STRONG

antecedently

WEAK

a while ago ahead ante at one time away back back back when before beforehand erstwhile fore forward in advance in anticipation in days gone by in the past precedently until now

Antonyms

WEAK

currently future later presently

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari told reporters that "more time" was needed for the ongoing Pakistani-mediated efforts to push for Iran-US talks to reach a deal to end the war.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

The most important world leader watching CNN at the time was President George H.W.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

Ford’s stock at the time was struggling as demand for new cars dropped, but it then rallied on the market’s broader optimism.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

The biggest domestic prize he won in that time was the FA Cup - and it wasn't until he returned to England with Chelsea, after a stint at Barcelona, that Fabregas won the Premier League.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

Elton’s absence just at this time was the very thing to be desired.

From "Emma" by Jane Austen

time was

Example Sentences

Related Words